How to Repair the Ignition Switch on a 1993 G20 Chevy Van

by David McGuffin

One sign that the ignition switch on your 1993 G20 Chevy van needs replacing is when you can't turn your key in the ignition because it feels stuck from the inside. Alternatively, you may be able to turn your van on but cannot remove the key from the ignition switch. Knowing how to do the repair yourself will help familiarize yourself more with your G20 van as well as save some of your hard-earned cash.

Open the hood on your G20 van and disconnect the negative battery cable from the car battery. Removing the battery cable not only eliminates the possibility of electrocution hazards, but also disables the airbag, which has the potential to cause some injury to you if it is deployed while you are working on the steering column and ignition switch. After disconnecting the battery cable, it is best to wait for 15 minutes before touching any other electrical parts or connections.

Use a flat head screwdriver to remove the four screws from the panel housing on the underside of the driver's side instrument panel. You will also need to use a long-necked flat head screwdriver to remove the steering column casing and the four screws securing it to the steering column.

Disconnect the electrical connection tab that runs from the car's electrical system to the ignition switch, which is revealed after removing the steering column housing.

Use a Phillips head screwdriver to disconnect the one screw holding the directional signal lever arm in place. Also remove the turn signal switch, which is held in place with three Phillips head screws.

Insert your key into the ignition switch lock cylinder and turn it to the "On" position. Remove the lock retaining screw with a Phillips head screwdriver. Slide out the old ignition switch assembly. Disconnect the electrical tab running from the back of the ignition switch.

Attach the new ignition switch to the electrical tab that you just removed from the old ignition switch. Verify that the ignition switch has the key in it and is in the "Off" position, then slide it into place in the ignition switch housing. Once in place, turn the ignition switch to the "On" position, which releases a tab from the bottom side of the ignition switch designed to fit into a hole in the ignition switch housing. If the tab does not engage with the hole, then wiggle the ignition switch until you hear the tab pop into place. If you continue to have trouble getting the tab to engage the hole in the ignition switch housing, try turning the ignition switch "Off" and "On" several times or removing it and putting it back in again. Position the signal switch back into place and reconnect the first electrical tab that you disconnected after removing the paneling. Reconnect the car's battery cable and try starting the car.

Items you will need

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About the Author

David McGuffin is a writer from Asheville, N.C. and began writing professionally in 2009. He has Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of North Carolina, Asheville and Montreat College in history and music, and a Bachelor of Science in outdoor education. McGuffin is recognized as an Undergraduate Research Scholar for publishing original research on postmodern music theory and analysis.